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Intentional life

In the Intentional life category I write about: self-care, personal growth, minimalism, journaling, healthy lifestyle, self-improvement, happiness, gratitude, work-life balance, power of routines, automation.

A Letter to Myself (and Maybe to You Too) - Season Finale

A Letter to Myself (and Maybe to You Too)

Hey friends, and welcome back to The Coffee Journeys Show. It’s hard to believe it, but this is our final episode of Season 3.

I’m honestly just sitting here with a cup of coffee, reflecting. This season has been… full. Of growth, stories, small wins, and a few messy lessons. And I thought–for this last episode–I’d do something special.

Read More »A Letter to Myself (and Maybe to You Too)
The Pancake DELEGATE principle - Flipping Delegation Into Empowerment

The Pancake DELEGATE principle – Flipping Delegation Into Empowerment

Recently, we celebrated Pancake Day, and in our family, we also celebrate Fat Thursday—which means we had more than enough reasons to make a ton of pancakes. This year, my son asked if he could make pancakes himself. My first thought? No way. I imagined flour everywhere, eggshells in the batter, and maybe even a burnt pan or two. But then I stopped myself. Is this a good time for me to practice what I preach and implement the delegate principle?

You see, this is a lot like what happens at work. Someone on your team says they want to take on a new responsibility or try something outside their comfort zone. And your gut reaction might be to say no because it feels risky. But here’s the thing: if we don’t let people crack a few eggs, they’ll never learn how to make an omelette—or in this case, pancakes.

Read More »The Pancake DELEGATE principle – Flipping Delegation Into Empowerment

The Energy Audit: How to Beat Burnout and Thrive

Ever feel like no matter how much coffee you drink, you’re still exhausted? Like your to-do list is an unstoppable monster that keeps growing? That’s burnout creeping in—and it’s a productivity killer.

In a previous episode, Recognizing Burnout Before It’s Too Late, we talked about the warning signs of burnout. Today, we’re going one step further. Instead of just noticing burnout, we’re going to fight it—by focusing not on time management but on energy management.

The trick? Understanding what fuels you versus what drains you, and then structuring your day around those insights. Here’s a simple five-step framework to help you audit your energy, beat burnout, and start thriving.

Read More »The Energy Audit: How to Beat Burnout and Thrive
Leadership begins at home - strengthening relationships that matter the most

Leadership begins at home – strengthening relationships that matter the most

When we talk about leadership, we often think of boardrooms, project deadlines, and team strategy meetings. But leadership isn’t just about professional success—it’s about how we show up for the people who matter most. Our families, partners, and closest relationships deserve the same intentionality that we bring to our work. Leadership begins at home.

Since this episode drops on Valentine’s Day, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how leadership principles can help us build stronger relationships. Whether you’re leading a company or simply navigating everyday life, how you nurture your personal connections defines your true leadership.

Let’s explore ten leadership-inspired ways to strengthen relationships and make them thrive.

Read More »Leadership begins at home – strengthening relationships that matter the most
Productivity Myths that hold you back

Productivity—Buzzwords, Myths and Traps

Productivity—it’s the buzzword of modern life. Everyone’s chasing it, everyone wants to master it, but along the way, we’ve picked up some false beliefs about what productivity actually means. These myths can lead to burnout, frustration, and, ironically, less productivity.

In this blog post, I’m breaking down 5 common productivity buzzwords myths and traps and showing you how to rethink them. By the end, you’ll have actionable strategies to work smarter, not harder, and focus on what really matters.

So, grab a coffee, and let’s bust some myths!

Read More »Productivity—Buzzwords, Myths and Traps
The Six Horizons Framework from David Allen

How to Prioritize: The Six Horizons of Focus from David Allen

As the New Year approaches, we’re all thinking about what we want to achieve in 2025. Whether it’s career goals, personal growth, or simply tackling that ever-growing to-do list, prioritization is key. But let’s be honest—it’s not always easy, is it? I’ve been there, staring at a long list of tasks and wondering, “What on earth do I tackle first?”

That’s why, in this episode, I’m excited to share a framework from one of the most influential voices in productivity—David Allen, the author of Getting Things Done. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by tasks or unsure of what’s truly important, Allen’s Six Horizons of Focus can help you bring clarity and structure to your life. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that allows you to prioritize not just your daily tasks but also your long-term goals and values.

So, grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s explore how you can bring more clarity, focus, and intentionality into your life—starting right now.

Read More »How to Prioritize: The Six Horizons of Focus from David Allen
Essential Skills to Boost Your Career in 2025

Essential Skills to Boost Your Career in 2025

As young professionals prepare to enter the workforce, honing essential skills has become more significant than ever. The rapidly evolving job market of 2025 demands a diverse skill set that combines technical proficiency with strong interpersonal abilities. By focusing on developing these key competencies, young job seekers can position themselves for success and adaptability in an increasingly competitive and dynamic work environment.

I divided it into three categories:

  • Essential Skills for Future Career Success
  • Technical and Digital Skills
  • Soft Skills and Personal Attributes
Read More »Essential Skills to Boost Your Career in 2025
Holidays, values and questioning everything. Merry Christmas

🎄☃️ Holidays, values ​​and questioning everything

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the lessons we’ve learned, the values we hold dear, and the traditions we choose to embrace. In this special holiday edition of The Coffee Journeys Show, I share my personal reflections on a year that brought both joy and challenges, and I invite you to join me in exploring what the holiday season truly means to us.

Read More »🎄☃️ Holidays, values ​​and questioning everything
Wealth of happiness

Invest in Memories, They Pay Dividends in Happiness

In today’s world, it’s easy to measure success by the things we accumulate—the latest gadgets, a new car, a bigger home. But when the thrill of a new purchase fades, what’s left? Many of us discover that true wealth lies not in what we own, but in the richness of our experiences. It’s the moments we live, the memories we make, and the stories we carry with us that add the most value to our lives.

So, how can we start shifting our focus from possessions to experiences? And what might we gain by doing so?

Read More »Invest in Memories, They Pay Dividends in Happiness
Random Coffee with Alvin Wong

Espionage, Productivity, AI Deep Dive and The Comfort Crisis – Random Coffee with Alvin Wong

Some conversations leave you inspired, and this episode of The Coffee Journeys Show is no exception. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my longtime friend and former colleague, Alvin Wong. Together, we reminisced about our journey at Cisco, where we worked on pioneering cloud security solutions and developed our leadership skills.

But this episode wasn’t just about the past-it’s about how our experiences inform our present and inspire our future. From a spy movie that contributed to the fall of communism to tools and AI trends revolutionizing productivity, we explored a variety of topics, each offering practical takeaways for everyday life.

So, grab your coffee, and let’s dive into the insights Alvin and I shared.

Read More »Espionage, Productivity, AI Deep Dive and The Comfort Crisis – Random Coffee with Alvin Wong